Second air separation unit provides both additional capacity and vital backup

Munich, 24 November 2017 – Innovation and customer centricity are entrenched in Linde’s character. The integrated supply system designed for customer ArcelorMittal - the world's largest steel corporation - at ArcelorMittal's Temirtau site in Kazakhstan proves the value of a customer-centric approach when developing bespoke and complex projects.

Linde already operates an air separation unit (ASU) at the steelworks. ArcelorMittal Temirtau plans to increase its production of hot metal in the coming years which will lead to a significant growth in the demand for industrial gases. The new ASU, once in operation, will be connected to the first one, together forming an intelligent supply system for ArcelorMittal’s production. The new plant will not only meet increasing gas needs of the steel mill but also have the capacity to act as a backup, ensuring highest product availability at all times. With an investment value of EUR 70 million, it is set to go on stream in November 2019.

“We are very pleased to extend the partnership with our long-standing and well-established customer ArcelorMittal by building another air separation unit in Temirtau. The new unit will form, together with the first one, a reliable integrated gas production system that will accommodate the increasing industrial gas needs of the steelworks,” said Bernd Eulitz, Member of the Executive Board of Linde AG. “The broadened supply agreements confirm the solid cooperation between our companies. We are proud to be already supplying ArcelorMittal at several locations in Germany and Eastern Europe.”

Linde's Engineering Division will be constructing the plant. Once it goes on stream, it will be operated by Linde Gas Kazakhstan.

About ArcelorMittal

ArcelorMittal is the world's leading steel company, with operations in more than 60 countries. ArcelorMittal is the leader in all major global steel markets, including automotive, construction, household appliances and packaging, with leading R&D and technology, as well as sizeable captive supplies of raw materials and outstanding distribution networks.

With an industrial presence in over 20 countries spanning four continents, the Company covers all of the key steel markets, from emerging to mature. Through its core values of Sustainability, Quality and Leadership, ArcelorMittal commits to operating in a responsible way with respect to the health, safety and wellbeing of its employees, contractors and the communities in which it operates. It is also committed to the sustainable management of the environment and of finite resources.

About The Linde Group

The Gases Division, part of The Linde Group, is a world leading supplier of industrial, process and specialty gases, serving customers of all sizes across almost all industries and trades, also supporting science, research and medicine. The company offers a wide range of compressed and liquefied gases, as well as chemicals. The gas portfolio extends from gas production right up to delivery, rounded off by a broad industrial and medical gas application and service offering. Although only rarely visible in operation, Linde gases are used in almost every production chain in steel production, chemical processing, energy sector, welding, food processing, glass production, electronics, environmental protection, fuel technologies and healthcare. They helped producing the cars we drive, growing and preserving the food we eat, putting the fizz in the water we drink, fabricating the glass to drink from and so much more.

In the 2016 financial year, The Linde Group generated revenue of EUR 16.948 bn, making it one of the leading gases and engineering companies in the world, with approximately 60,000 employees working in more than 100 countries worldwide. The strategy of The Linde Group is geared towards long-term profitable growth and focuses on the expansion of its international business, with forward-looking products and services. Linde acts responsibly towards its shareholders, business partners, employees, society and the environment in every one of its business areas, regions and locations across the globe. The company is committed to technologies and products that unite the goals of customer value and sustainable development.